16 February 2026 · Delegated
27, Farmhill Lane, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 2ef
Superdrug Stores PLC applied to install two new shopfronts at 27 and 29-31 Strand Street in Douglas, along with air conditioning condensers on the rear elevation. The two units are adjoining three-storey retail properties with timber-glazed ground floor frontages that currently do not match one another. The officer's report identified potential visual impact and highways impact as the key planning issues to consider. The application was approved under delegated authority on 16 February 2026, subject to one condition. The site has some architectural interest: 29-31 Strand Street was originally a cinema known as the Picture House, which opened in 1921, and retains a distinctive half-timbered Tudor facade to its upper floors.
The application was permitted on 16 February 2026 under delegated authority. The officer considered potential visual impact and highways impact as the key issues, and the proposal was found acceptable on both counts.
General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan
Isle of Man Strategic Plan
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
